Valley Forge

The site of the legendary winter-long military camp during the Revolutionary War, Valley Forge is one of the most visited historical parks in the country. Approximately 20 miles outside of Philadelphia, Valley Forge represents the indomitable American spirit, the fight for freedom and the liberties that make the United States one of the greatest countries in the world.

The story of Valley Forge dates back to the fall of 1777 when General Washington led the Continental Army to the banks of the Schuylkill River to spend the next six months in frozen agony. Over the harsh winter months, the untrained soldiers shivered in cabins they built themselves while General Washington planned the next attack come Spring. Bringing in assistance, Washington trained up his men to resemble an army that could win the war as opposed to the ragtag bunch of American colonists they had been. In the spring of 1778, the Continental Army marched out of Valley Forge to go on to win the Revolutionary War.

Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park maintains the land once utilized by General Washington including the large stone home he used as his strategic headquarters. See recreations of the soldiers’ cabins, visit the monument resembling the Arc de Triomphe, and experience the many living history programs on site, led by knowledgeable and passionate guides.

Other attractions in the Valley Forge area include the Elmwood Park Zoo where you can feed bison, shopping the more than 400 stores at the King of Prussia Mall, and walking the historic buildings of the Bryn Athyn Historic District. Visit Valley Forge and discover more than history but life!